SSE plans Master of Public Policy program to shape future leaders

Sweden needs to invest in the leaders of tomorrow. That is why the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) is planning to launch the first Master of Public Policy (MPP) program in the Nordic region. The program aims to equip students with the skills required to lead public institutions in Sweden, as well as within the EU, NATO, and the UN. With secured funding, the first cohort could be welcomed as early as fall 2027.

Society is changing rapidly, and complexity is increasing. This calls for leaders in business, politics, and public institutions who are equipped with the right knowledge and skills. The need is not limited to Sweden, but extends to international institutions of strategic importance for our country, such as the EU, NATO, and the UN. Yet in the Nordic region, educational opportunities in this field remain limited.

Last winter, SSE initiated a scoping study, funded by the Karl-Adam Bonnier Foundation, to explore the development of the region’s first MPP program. The results clearly show both strong demand and widespread interest. Today, Sweden’s competitiveness is under pressure due to challenges in the public sector and underrepresentation within the EU. SSE can help reverse this trend.

– SSE has the capacity to create a program with global appeal. By preparing our students for policy roles in the EU and on the international stage, we can strengthen Sweden’s voice while also fostering closer collaboration between business and public administration, says Lars Strannegård, President of SSE.

Just last week, around 30 leaders from government, politics, academia, and business gathered at the Karl-Adam Bonnier Foundation for a roundtable discussion on how to shape a successful MPP program. Opening speakers included the Foundation’s CEO Tor Bonnier, Governor of the Riksbank Erik Thedéen, and SSE President Lars Strannegård.

– The fact that the Governor of the Riksbank, the Supreme Commander, business leaders, and senior government officials all came together around this topic shows the strong momentum for an MPP program in Sweden. With funding in place this fall, the program could launch within two years, says Tor Bonnier.

Since 2022, the Foundation and SSE have collaborated through the House of Governance and Public Policy (GaPP) and the KAB Center for Governance. The goal is to strengthen ties between academia, politics, and society to ensure that research and new knowledge benefit the wider community.